O'Brien magnanimous in defeat as Caravaggio finishes fourth

Aidan O'Brien was in no mood to offer excuses after Caravaggio lost his unbeaten record at Newmarket.

A brilliant winner of the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot, Caravaggio was sent off the 10-11 favourite but was unable to land a glove on Harry Angel this time around, ultimately being narrowly edged out for third by Brando.

O'Brien suggested all options remain open to the son of Scat Daddy, including a trip to Australia later in the year and a potential drop in trip.

"We thought he ran very well," said the trainer. "Ryan [Moore] said he was a little slow out but we’re not looking to make excuses. I don’t want to take anything away from the winner as it was a very good performance and our horse ran a great race.

"There’s always lots on my mind when we don’t win and he was a little bit lazy. I'd never have a problem running him over five, and The Everest is still a definite possibility."

For Harry Bentley, meanwhile, there were not the same jubilant scenes that greeted victory aboard Limato 12 months ago but, having been reunited with the five-year-old, there was great pride in the manner of his title defence.

"Limato has run a fantastic race and I couldn't be happier," he said of the runner-up. "He gave me a wonderful feeling and it's nice that the horses that were around him at Royal Ascot were behind him today.

"He gave me that feel again and I look forward to the future with him."

There was delight too for Kevin Ryan as Brando returned to form on his first attempt at Group 1 level, having disappointed at York last time.

"I couldn't believe they'd written him off in the paper this morning and he's run a great race," said Ryan.

"He disappointed at York last time and has finished off his race well considering the ground was fast enough for him. Tom Eaves gave him a great ride."

Result and analysis